LSU baseball’s season ended without the familiar roar of the NCAA Tournament, marking the first time since 2011 that the Tigers failed to secure a spot in the national championship field.
Portal Pursuits
Coach Jay Johnson has turned the setback into a catalyst, steering the program toward the transfer portal as a primary avenue for reshaping the roster and restoring competitiveness.
The move comes as five current Tigers have announced their intentions to leave, with several more projected to be selected in the upcoming MLB Draft, prompting LSU to target a 2027 return to national title contention.
Among the prospects on the radar is Santa Clara shortstop Ben Cleary, a draft‑eligible player who posted a .358 batting average in 2026, walked as often as he struck out, and launched five home runs over a season that included 146 starts in three years.
Johnson sees Cleary as a prototype for the consistent, professional hitter the program needs, emphasizing development of in‑house power rather than relying solely on external acquisitions.
The shortstop position will also feel the absence of Steven Milam, who is expected to sign professionally, creating a clear opening that Cleary could fill.
With nearly 150 collegiate games of experience, Cleary brings a blend of maturity and production that aligns with LSU’s strategic vision as it rebuilds toward a championship window.